Abstract
The eco-physiological and structural flexibility of Capparis decidua at specific locations along an environmental gradient in the Sargodha region of Pakistan is examined in this work. C. decidua is a xerophyte that thrives in extremely dry and semi-arid environments. Shahpur exhibited the highest electrical conductivity and ionic concentrations (Na⁺ = 29.5 mg kg⁻¹; Cl⁻ = 23.07 mg kg⁻¹) indicating strong salinity stress. The most organic matter (0.83%) was found in Chak 48 NB, which indicates a less harsh environment. There were notable phenotypic differences (p < 0.001) with Shahpur exhibiting greater plant height (139.13 cm), canopy area (3.04 m²), and root length (46.17 cm) associated with saline and drought-prone conditions. Anatomical traits included thicker epidermis (29.5 μm), increased sclerenchyma that are connected to structural elements relating to water conservation. Strong photoprotective mechanisms were suggested by the Shahpur population’s stable chlorophyll levels and elevated carotenoid content. PCA biplots showed clear separation of Shahpur from Chak 48 NB and Chak 89 NB along PC1, delineating the Shahpur population and directly correlating it with stress-adaptive anatomical suites. These results suggested that a number of morphological, anatomical, and physiological adaptation features provide a specialized approach to improve drought and salinity tolerance. Further research should focus on molecular pathways and metabolite adaptations for ecological restoration.
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The plants were collected from different sites at Sargodha, Pakistan (public land) and governing body Higher Education Commission, Pakistan and University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan gave its approval for the collection of samples as per Ethics and Guideline Committee of the University of Sargodha (Approval No. 778-D103/2022 UOS). All the experimental methods of this study followed all the appropriate guidance and regulations. The manuscript is part of PhD thesis of Ayesha Kafeel and all the protocols and experimental procedure used in this investigation were approved by Board of Studies of University of Sargodha, Pakistan and Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
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Voucher specimens of all collected plant species were prepared and authenticated. The specimens were identified by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad (Associate Professor, University of Sargodha) and Dr. Mansoor Hameed (Professor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad). Herbarium sheets (Voucher numbers: S22-905 to S22-912) are deposited at the Department of Botany Herbarium, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan. Contact person: Mr. Muhammad Ali (+ 92 303 6200205).
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Kafeel, A., Hussain, R., Khalofah, A. et al. Integrated eco-physiological and anatomical responses of Capparis decidua to salinity and water deficit stress.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60156-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60156-y
Keywords
- Xerophytes
- Stress
- Epidermis
- Carotenoids
- Morphology
- Drought
- Salinity
Source: Ecology - nature.com
